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PUBLISHED: 4:16 PM on Wednesday, October 10, 2007

State adopts emergency regulations for project to help FASD children

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services adopted emergency regulations on Oct. 5, to launch a demonstration project that allows Medicaid payment for special services for youth (14-20) with a severe emotional disturbance who are also diagnosed with or suspected to have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

"Through this demonstration project, children with severe FASD can live in their own communities, and receive the services they need," Commissioner of Health and Social Services Karleen K. Jackson said.

"Up until now, these children had to leave home and live in residential psychiatric treatment centers. This program will bring them home and keep them home."

The services are designed to address the unique needs of youth with an FASD and are intended to allow a youth, who otherwise would have to live away from home at a residential psychiatric treatment center, to live and work in his or her own community.

The emergency regulations took effect Oct. 5, and the Department of Health and Social Services intends to make the emergency regulations permanent.

Interested individuals may comment on the permanent regulation changes, including the potential cost of complying with the changes, by submitting written comments to Kevin Henderson, Office of the Commissioner, P.O. Box 110601, Juneau, AK, 99811, kevin.henderson@alaska.gov.

All written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 21.